Thinking about relocating to Charleston? The Holy City is one of the best places to live on the East Coast, offering plenty of family-friendly activities, great public schools, low crime rates, and more. Here are the five best Charleston neighborhoods and suburbs for families!
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to live in Charleston, consider settling down in Mount Pleasant! This established suburb is ideal for families looking for dining and entertainment options, as well as outdoor recreation at local parks and nearby popular beaches like Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. Mount Pleasant is ranked as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and is home to top-rated schools like Moultrie Middle School and National Blue Ribbon School Mount Pleasant Academy. Growing families can find affordable housing in this Charleston suburb with options ranging from cozy cottages to coastal townhomes and single-family homes. And Downtown Charleston is only a short 20-minute commute for those who work in the city!
Check out Copper Penny in the Mount Pleasant Town Centre to find trendy women’s clothing, jewelry, or handbags. Let the kids play on the playground and enjoy an ice cream cone from River Watch Cafe while boats pass by at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. Go kayaking at Palmetto Islands County Park or let your dogs roam off leash at the Dog Park. Dig into Lobster Shrimp Pasta, Crab Cakes, or Pasta Carbonara at Burtons Grill & Bar. Try a Buffalo Shrimp Wrap or BLT made fresh to order at the Square Onion. Order a California Burger, Veggie Wrap, or Fish Sandwich paired with a Pisgah Turtleback Brown on tap at Coleman Public House. Or get a SAVI Wine Flight or sip on an Italian Blueberry Mojito at SAVI Cucina + Wine Bar.
Located on the tip of the Charleston Peninsula, South of Broad is a luxurious neighborhood marked by historic Art Deco, Colonial, Italianate, and Victorian homes, as well as pristine waterfront views of both Ashley River and Cooper River. Regarded as one of the best neighborhoods in Charleston proper, South of Broad’s striking visual personality is a huge draw. The area is home to popular sights like Rainbow Row, a block of brightly-colored historic homes and buildings, and Williams Mansion, a monumental estate dating back to 1878. Parents with college-aged children will enjoy the neighborhood’s proximity to schools like the College of Charleston, which ranks among the top public universities in the South. Though the area comes with a higher price tag, its beauty and closeness to top family-friendly activities in Charleston—like the South Carolina Aquarium and The Charleston Museum—are just a few reasons why South of Broad is such a highly sought-after neighborhood.
Spend a day on the waterfront relaxing on family-sized swings, wandering the pier, and exploring nearby shops at Charleston Waterfront Park. Stroll among the greenery while observing Civil War cannons, statues, and monuments, or take in the views of the harbor at one of Charleston’s must-see places, White Point Garden. Go fishing or take a family walk with the dogs at Colonial Lake Park—or stay active with a casual game of basketball, tennis, or pickleball at General William Moultrie Playground. Enroll your kids in seasonal camps that encourage hands-on learning, creativity, and curiosity at the nearby Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. Dig into British-inspired pub fare like the Turkey Club, Griffon Burger, or Chicken Tender Basket served at The Griffon. Devour delicious Southern barbecue like the Smokehouse Nachos, Skillet Mac & Cheese, or The Four Porksmen at one of the best barbecue restaurants in Charleston, Poogan’s Smokehouse. Soak in the waterfront views while munching on seafood staples like the Carolina Lump Crab Cakes, Fleet Landing Signature Burger, or Fried Green Tomato “BLT” at Fleet Landing Restaurant. Or treat the family to classic American fare like the Steakhouse Burger, World Famous Chicken Wings, and Lowcountry Fried Pickles at TBonz Gill & Grill.
With waterfront views near Charleston Harbor and housing options ranging from cottages and brick ranches to Victorian-style homes, Stiles Point on James Island is a great place to raise a family in the Charleston area! Families living in Charleston can enroll their children in highly-rated local schools like Stiles Point Elementary School and Camp Road Middle School. Stiles Point also offers tons of family-friendly things to do, including public parks like Stephen Washington Park and Hazel Parker Playground that present plenty of opportunities for pick-up sports games and other outdoor recreation. And with its location less than 15 minutes from downtown, this Charleston neighborhood gives residents access to a wide variety of entertainment and amenities—including some of the best restaurants in Charleston, unique shops, historical landmarks, and more!
Let the little ones have fun on the slides while you get in a game of tennis at Harborview/Ft. Johnson Park. Enjoy beautiful views while hiking, picnicking by the water, or even hunting for shark teeth at Melton Peter Demetre Park. Play a game of baseball or basketball with the family or go for a swim at James Island Recreation Complex. Spend a day with the kids as you fish for local species like trout, flounder, tarpon, and more with Fins & Flies Charters. Chow down on breakfast and lunch options like the Breakfast Nachos, Chicken N’ Waffles, and Big on the Pig Biscuit at Smoky Yolk Cafe. Savor Tex-Mex inspired dishes like Shrimp Ceviche, Parmesan Encrusted Mahi, and Gambas al Ajillo at Grumpy Goat Seafood Cantina. Feast on dishes like Vietnamese Pho Tacos, Spaghetti & Meatballs, or Pork Cheek Gnocchi out on the patio at Edison James Island. Or sample some of the most delicious sushi in Charleston with specialty rolls like the Fire Mountain Roll, Perfect Naruto, and Harbor View Roll served at Aji Asian Bistro.
Summerville is a quiet, historic Charleston suburb with a large selection of Craftsman-style bungalows and traditional ranches that are perfect for growing families. Parents will appreciate the presence of top-rated schools like Summerville Elementary School, Alston Middle School, and Summerville High School—as well as plenty of local parks like Azalea Park and Wassamassaw Community Park. Summerville residents can also find endless family fun at a variety of annual town events and the weekly Summerville Farmers Market, which offers locally-grown produce, handmade artisan crafts, and more. Additionally, on top of its obvious Southern charm, Summerville offers unique perks as the official birthplace of sweet tea! Along the Sweet Tea Trail, you can take selfies by the Sweet Tea Mural and the World’s Largest Sweet Tea, or partake in fun events like the annual Summerville Sweet Tea Festival.
Go for a scenic jog, walk the trail, or relax by the pond at Shepard Park. Host a family reunion, have a tennis match, or challenge the kids to a game of horseshoes at Doty Park. Admire the works of local artists, play games, shop vendors, listen to live music, and more at the Summerville community event known as Third Thursdays. Enjoy a night of summer fun with tasty food trucks and live concerts from local bands—like Mystic Vibrations and the Shem Creek Boogie Band—during the annual (and free!) Sounds on the Square concert series at the Hutchinson Square amphitheater. Get some of the best breakfast in Summerville with an Omelet Croissant, Bacon Cheddar Biscuit, or Breakfast Burrito at Cuppa Manna. Order breakfast and lunch favorites like the Mediterranean Open Faced Omelet, Nancy’s French Toast, or Sunrise Po Boy at Sunrise Bistro. Sit down for a family meal at Baker’s BBQ of Summerville and feast on Brisket, a Slice of Meatloaf, or a BBQ Pork Sandwich. Or fill up on hearty American fare like the Country Fried Steak, Veggie Omelet, or Golden Fried Flounder at Family Restaurant.
Looking for a neighborhood that’s closer to the action of Downtown Charleston? Check out Wagener Terrace! Less than 15 minutes from the city center, this safe and affordable Charleston neighborhood is a hidden gem with everything from 1950s Craftsman-style bungalows to more contemporary new builds and waterfront properties. This neighborhood also works to foster a sense of community among residents, with the Wagener Terrace Neighborhood Association putting on events like the annual Oyster Roast & BBQ—where attendees can enjoy family fun, live music, and more. Families can send their kids to public schools like Julian Mitchell Elementary School and Burke High School, and there’s an abundance of outdoor recreation spots to explore throughout the area. Plus, living in Wagener Terrace means you get beautiful views of the water near Ashley River and the Charleston Peninsula!
Take in the gorgeous display of flowers, hang out on the playground, or fly a kite at Hampton Park. Watch from the picnic tables or join your kid in grinding the rails at the SK8 Charleston skate park. Explore the works of contemporary artists through exhibitions like Again, But Different and As Echos Unfold, or help your kids hone their creative skills through workshops at Redux Contemporary Art Center. Cheer on the Charleston RiverDogs (MiLB) as they run the bases at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. Fill up on Mexican favorites like a Veggie Burrito, Chimichanga, or Nachos at Santi’s Restaurante Mexicano. Try the Blue Cheese Burger, Southern Fish & Chips, or Reuben Egg Rolls from Rutledge Cab Company. Bring the family out for a dinner of tasty tavern fare like the Greek Veggie Wrap, Eye Opener Burger, or Moe’s Extraordinary BLT at Moe’s Crosstown Tavern. Or meet up with friends for happy hour to sip on a glass of Pinot Noir, an Edmund’s Old Fashioned, or a refreshing “Specialino” cocktail at Edmund’s Oast Restaurant.
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Housing statistics from Redfin and RentCafe. Crime rates from AreaVibes.
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